*Please note, the match will now be played over two forty-five minute halves, instead of the originally scheduled 4 x 30 minute periods*

SALOP’S 15/16 CAMPAIGN

After gaining promotion from League Two in 2014/15, the Shrews maintained their League One status with a twentieth place finish last time out, avoiding relegation by four points. Despite staying in the division, the Shrews conceded seventy-nine goals over the season, the third highest tally in the league, behind only the relegated Colchester and Crewe.

Top scorer for Salop was Sullay Kaikai, who netted twelve times whilst on loan from Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Shaun Whalley, James Collins and Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro were all joint-second on the scorers list, with seven strikes apiece.

PRE-SEASON SO FAR

There has been plenty of summer activity at Greenhous Meadow as the Shrews look to improve on last season’s finish. Micky Mellon has seen eleven players leave since the end of last season, with eight new faces arriving so far.

These include AJ Leitch-Smith and Antoni Sarcevic from Port Vale and Fleetwood Town respectively, as well as midfielder Louis Dodds, also from Port Vale. Full backs Ryan McGivern and Joe Riley, former Coventry man Jim O’Brien and central midfielder Gary Deegan have also recently arrived at the Club.

So far, Town have played one pre-season friendly - a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers last week. Andy Mangan and Tyrone Barnett were the Shrewsbury scorers in the behind-closed-doors match, with James Henry netting twice for Wolves. Following Saturday's match, Salop next face Birmingham City on July 19th.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR…

Last season, having faced Forest Green in a midweek game, the Bluebirds travelled to Greenhous Meadow on July 18th. An early penalty from Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro gave Town the lead in the eighth minute, after the striker had been fouled by Lee Peltier. However, the Bluebirds were level soon after, with Joe Mason slotting home after Anthony Pilkington had flicked the ball on.

It was Pilkington who gave City the lead after the break, with a free kick that dipped into the bottom left hand corner. It seemed as though Cardiff were going to hold onto the win, until the 85th minute, when Shrewsbury drew level through James Collins. Scott Vernon’s goalbound effort was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Simon Moore, before striker Collins, who has recently joined Crawley Town, followed up to earn a draw for the Shrews.